12.06.2011

pilgrimage...

I have mentioned before that I majored in Photography in college. My main interest has always been portraits. Architecture would be my second choice of subject matter after people. I have very little interest in shooting still life, action or landscape photos. I had a professor who told me I somehow managed to turn every assignment into a portrait. The portraits were usually of my daughter because, quite frankly, she was always with me - free model! Also, she was adorable. I mean seriously...

Sometimes, I see a person and know exactly how I would photograph them, though I haven't done so in eons. That was a lifetime ago. That little girl will soon be 26 and I haven't shot a portrait in years. I do still love to look at them though. This is why I was thrilled when my mother brought me this present home from her recent trek up to Seattle to visit my little girl.

This is a different kind of book for the master and insightful photographer Annie Leibovitz. The book is full of portraits but not of people. Stunning images of things and places are used to give the reader insight into many historical people. There is a photograph of Emily Dickinson's dress that I love. I am getting history lessons as well as enjoying the moving images. I'm reading the book slowly, which is new for me. A few weeks in and I'm only on page 37 but I'm so enjoying it.

I've been thinking about what objects or places I would shoot as a "portrait" of the people I love. I first thought I would shoot books for my daughter and tools for my husband but those things seem so obvious. I don't know now, I want to reach a little deeper. Anyone could show those things to represent them, it's what they love to do. That is what this book is doing, inspiring me, teaching me and making me think a little harder, all the while entertaining me with lovely images.

What item would you photograph for your portrait? Something that would give people a little closer glimpse into what makes you tick.

13 comments:

One object is such a tricky question......I think my glass bowl of feathers and stones.

On that note, I saw a little feather fall from the sky today and of course sent a little blessing your way - imagine my surprise when it wasn't actually white but white with a green and yellow trim - happy day!

M told me you would like to have the book, so glad it is inspiring you.I was thinking of things that I would photograph for the people in my life and thinking of all kinds of things I would photograph for you, AH and M. Foremost "Love" springs to mind, however not sure how to photograph that.